In the 1960s and the 1970s, hundreds of hippies were living in the Matala caves, spending all day at the beach, dancing to their favorite music. According to the international media, there was a surge of travelers who wanted to visit this unique environment at the time.

Many decades have passed since then. However, people of all ages are still visiting the village to relive the memories of the hippie era.

Some of them were among the hippies who used to live in the caves and on the sands at Matala in the 60s and 70s. Others are simply music fans wanting to celebrate peace and love through music and art.

Whoever the visitors are, Matala welcomes them at this year’s Beach Festival!

History of the Festival

In June 2011 the Mayor of the region threw a festival on the beach to celebrate the launch of the ‘Myth of Matala’ book featuring photos of the hippie cave residents during the 60s & 70s. It was a hippie reunion. 35,000 people heard about it and flocked to Matala beach.

In June 2012 over 58,000 people visited the festival weekend. The 2013 event was equally successful.

In the previous years, the free events brought music and arts fans from all generations together on the beach beneath the caves to celebrate peace, love and happiness.
The 2014 festival, which will be held on 20-22 June, promises to do the same thing. Hippies from all over the world are flocking to Matala to live unique moments in the largest free festival in Greece.

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The Festival’s official launch took place on Friday with many concerts and three scenes (Cave stage, Earth stage, Camping stage) that have been set up in different parts of Matala, while many activities are scheduled to take place in the Earth village, erected in the large outdoor parking area near the beach.

The performers include bands such as GB BLUES BAND, RENEGADE, CROSSROADS, VIVA CARLOS, CAD, as well as DJ sets and radio producers. Kitrina Podilata band and Panos Katsimihas will also perform at the festival.

The aim of the organizers is overall development and especially the tourism promotion of the wider area of the Municipality of Phaistos. For this reason the entrance to all concerts, camping and activities is free.

The festival is held under the auspices of the Municipality of Phaistos and in collaboration with the Region of Crete, the Cultural Association of Pitsidia-Matala and Matala Development Company.